Orfeo Ed Euridice (DVD)

I was really glad to receive this DVD. The singing was very fine, I was glad to learn about the countertenor Jochen Kowalski, who deserved to be far better known than he was. The acting and singing of everyone was wonderful. The one thing I didn't understand was why the two lovers, now reunited, sat and sang a very solemn anthem at the end. Why weren't they overjoyed? They'd gotten what they wanted. I did have a criticism of the sets, props and costumes. They could have been much more attractive. I also didn't understand why Orpheus was made to haul a portable TV set around with him as he was trying to get Euridice out of the underworld. I also didn't understand why he had a double who apparently died near the end, The cupid or God-of-Love figure also didn't need to have a double. He was represented musically by a boy soprano with a gorgeous voice who stood to one side, and he didn't need a double who was a young boy who met with Orpheus for no clear reason. Therefore, visually, the production was not a success, but the performances were without exception first-rate and powerful.